History

Otatara Pa, Taradale, New Zealand.

"Otatara Pa Historic Reserve is one of the largest and most significant traditional and archaeological landscapes in New Zealand. There are numerous terraces, house sites and pits surrounding the two pa sites. Remnant earthworks of many of these sites are still evident today.

The pa sites, with their steep terrain were well chosen for their natural defensive qualities. Commanding views allowed the pa to stand guard over the Heretaunga district to the south.

The quarried area of Otatara Pa is distinguished by the palisades erected by the Waiohiki Conservation Corps in 1990. The work was aimed at improving the protection and management of the archaeological features and providing an interpretation of a defensive structure.

The pa sites comprise over 44 hectares and incorporates two pa sites, Hikurangi Pa to the north and Otatara Pa in the south. Otatara pa has largely been destroyed by quarrying which was carried out in the 1920's through to the 1970's. The pa's were occupied from over 500 years ago, developing and changing as successive generations lived there.

Turauwha was a paramount chief in Hawkes Bay, based at Otatara. Around 400 years ago, Taraia led Ngati Kahungunu to Heretaunga where they attacked Otatara. Through occupation, conquest, marriage and mana (power/influence), the iwi expanded to dominate Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa. Otatara commemmorates the mana of Turauwha and Taraia and is linked through whakapapa to people and places throughout New Zealand.

Otatara Pa Historic Resreve was part of the Ahuriri Block which was purchased by Donald Mclean in November 1851 on behalf of the Crown. It was farmed as part of Springfield and Redcliffe Stations for over a century.

During the 1931 earthquake, part of Otatara Pa proper slumped down to the Tutaekuri River, revealing 'red metal' suitable for roading. Quarrying possibly started in the area in the 1920's and intensified after 1931 as the district was rebuilt following the earthquake. This destroyed much of Otatara Pa proper. To prevent further damage, the Crown, assisted by Napier City and Hawkes Bay County Councils bought the land in 1972. In 1973, it became a historic reserve and was managed by a trust board until 1981 when administration passed to the Department of Lands and Survey.

Since 1987 the site has been managed by the Department of Conservation in consultation with Ngati Paarau of Waiohiki Marae.

The Department of Conservation has also purchased several blocks of land around the site to preserve the integrity of the archaelogical landscape.

Otatara Pa Historic Reserve is a popular recreation site, providing panoramic views of Hawkes Bay. It is an educational focal point for students of all ages and provides a spiritual connection to previous generations for iwi throughout New Zealand."

Taken from the information boards at Otatara Pa.